The Greatest Christmas Present Ever

I wrote this post on December 18, 2011:

On Monday, December 12, 2011, I found out that we're expecting #2! I tested pretty early because I had a dentist appointment that day, and I wanted the dentist to be aware of my condition (no x-rays, etc.). Because the line was so faint, I didn't tell Brendon yet. I was very happy, but not 100% sure that I could believe what I thought my eyes saw.

The next day I tested at least twice! I also emailed a picture of the test to one of my close friends, who's a nurse. She assured me that it was positive! That night when Brendon got home from work, he was greeted by Maggie wearing a "Big Sister" shirt! We told her it said "Big Girl" so that she wouldn't give away our little secret! I have the moment on video, but unfortunately, I forgot to take any pictures of the reveal.

For this pregnancy to happen so close to Christmas, is truly a priceless gift . . . a Christmas miracle! With the joy and thankfulness, though, has come worry. Life truly begins very, very early . . .the baby's heart began beating around week 4. I, like most women, are particularly cautious during the first three months of pregnancy. No matter the outcome, for now we celebrate our best Christmas present ever.

Update to blog post on February 27, 2012:

Fast forward a few weeks, and it was time to tell our parents the good news. My parents and Brendon's parents came to our house Christmas morning to see Maggie open her presents from Santa. After all of that excitement, we told her there was one more present under the tree for her to open- a present from me and Brendon. She opened the present to find a baby doll and a "Big Sister" shirt. As soon as our parents saw this, they knew a new grandbaby was on the way! To remember the day, we gave our parents Christmas ornaments that said "Baby Windmeyer 2012".

We rang in the new year and celebrated my birthday, looking forward to what 2012 had in store. On January 13 we had our first ultrasound. Our little "butterbean" had a heartbeat of 170 beats per minute and measured 1.74 cm! Being older and more cautious this time than when I had Maggie, we continued to keep the news to ourselves and pray for a healthy baby.

I went to the doctor again last week, and the baby's heartbeat was strong enough to be detected with the Doppler. Once again, it measured in the very healthy 160-170 beats per minute range. They gave me an official due date of August 21, 2012.

Last Thursday night we told Maggie that she is going to be a big sister! She was very excited and said that she would share one blanket and her crib with the baby. She understands that the baby needs time to grow and that we don't know its name or whether its a boy or girl yet. This morning she knocked on my door and said she wanted to tell the baby good morning. So sweet!

Finally this past weekend, at 14 weeks, we decided to share our excitement with our friends and family. Maggie proudly wore her "Big Sister" shirt and helped tell the good news. We took these pictures after church:

Last year at this time, we were mourning the loss of my grandmother (2-26-11). This year we are celebrating that life goes on, and the new come along to follow in the footsteps and the legacy of those who have departed.

Thank you for sharing our excitement on this wonderful journey!